Best hiking in puerto rico: Best 10 Trails and Hikes in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico’s 7 best hiking trails

Hiking in Puerto Rico has plenty of potential. But what you actually get out of it depends largely on your expectations and how willing you are to strike out on your own (often without a decent map). It would be wrong to paint a picture of the island as some kind of hiker’s nirvana; although the scenery is lush and the coastline wonderfully idyllic, a lack of well-kept paths and a dearth of accurate information are the main challenges. But if you’re up for the challenge, the end results are worth it.  

El Yunque Trail – El Yunque National Forest 

On a clear day, never-ending views of Vieques and Culebra reward hikers who tackle the almost 1500ft elevation gain on this 2.4-mile, 1½-hour trail to the top of El Yunque (3496ft). Starting opposite the Palo Colorado Information Center (which is temporarily closed), you’ll ascend past mountain-palm trees and waterfalls to the cloud forest with “dwarf” trees, to the observation deck surrounded by communication towers.

If you want a rock scramble from here, take Los Picachos Trail (0.17 miles) to another old observation tower and feel as if you have crested a tropical Everest. You can return via a different route by descending down a service road to the Mt Britton Trail and then down a dirt track to Rte 191 and back to your starting point.

Mt Britton Tower offers stunning views of the Caribbean © Getty Images / iStockphoto

Mt Britton Trail – El Yunque National Forest

If you’re short on time and want to feel like you’ve really “summited,” take the 0.8-mile (45-minute) climb up paved pathways, through the sierra palm forest into the cloud forest and the Mt Britton Tower. On a cloud-free day, the panoramic views from the stone lookout tower reach over the forest to the Atlantic and the Caribbean.

The trailhead veers off Hwy 191 for 0.3 miles at Km 13. Afterward, the more adventurous can connect to the El Yunque Trail via the 0.86-mile Mt Britton Spur. The tower was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and named after the famous botanist Nathaniel Britton, who identified several plant and tree species in the region in the 1920s.

Vereda Meseta – Guánica  

This beautiful trail traces the coastal part of the Bosque Estatal de Guánica, and is one of the reserve’s few routes that you pick up by following Hwy 333 to its termination at the Bahía de la Ballena. This is a wild 4-mile round-trip used by both hikers and cyclists and skirts one of the region’s prettiest beaches, Playa Tamarindo.

Vereda La Torre – Reserva Forestal Toro Negro 

If you follow the Camino El Bolo trail up from the ranger station in Reserva Forestal Toro Negro, after about three miles you’ll intersect with this steep trail, snaking up to an observation tower with superb views. Return to the Area Recreativa Doña Juana, from where the ranger station is a short walk along Hwy 143, via Vereda La Piscina.

The Los Morrillos Lighthouse is located on the southernmost part of Puerto Rico © JGRLCR Getty Images / iStockphoto

Los Morrillos Lighthouse – Cabo Rojo 

From this smartly remodeled lighthouse at the bone-rattling end of Hwy 301, there’s not much further you can go: you’re as south as it gets in Puerto Rico. The Los Morrillos Lighthouse stands sentinel on the headland of Punta Jagüey, with some dramatic cliff formations right beyond the outer walls. An observation deck overlooks the surreal turquoise of the waters lapping Playa Santa and the expanse of the Caribbean behind.

If a volunteer is on hand at the lighthouse, they might offer a casual history of the Refugio Nacional Cabo Rojo area (largely revolving around the salt panned nearby). The final stretch of gravel road is not passable for cars but a 10-minute walk from the parking lot will have you at the door.

Charco Azul Trail – Bosque Estatal de Carite 

Despite the damage that’s been left behind from Hurricane Maria, the Charco Azul Trail is open. Be warned, the area has not been well maintained since the hurricane. The bathrooms and camping area are no longer operational. The reserve’s most popular trail leads to a hazy blue swimming hole. It’s an easy half-mile walk from Hwy 184, near the forest’s southeast corner.

The swimming hole is about 15-feet deep with a rocky bottom. It can be a madhouse on summer weekends, but relatively lonely in the winter. Beyond the swimming area there’s another, sketchier trail leading to the top of Cerro La Santa (2730ft), Carite’s highest point.

Trail Number One –  Bosque Estatal de Guajataca

This trail in the Bosque Estatal de Guajataca leads to the wondrous Cueva del Viento (temporarily closed). It branches off from the Interpretative Trail which begins just up from the ranger station.

Introducing Puerto Rico

You might also like: 

How sustainable tourism is thriving in Puerto Rico 
Day trips from San Juan
Puerto Rico’s 10 best beaches 
 

Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter. Make sure you’re ready for anything with travel insurance from our trusted partners.

The best Hiking in and near Puerto Rico

  • Puerto Rico
  • Looking for the best hiking in Puerto Rico? We’ve got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Puerto Rico. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

    • Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

      Hike Through the El Yunque Rain Forest

      4.6

      5 mi
      / 1500 ft gain

      Hiking the El Yunque Trail is a 5 mile round trip, about 3 to 4 hours in duration, with a moderate to difficult skill level. In parts, the paved path is well-maintained, and in others, you’ll need to navigate very wet, muddy terrain. The trail takes you up up through the Palo Colorado Forest, to …

      Read more

    • Arecibo, Puerto Rico

      Explore La Cueva del Indio (Indian Cave)

      La Cueva del Indio is one of the most beautiful places on the island of Puerto Rico – there’s nothing quite like witnessing the majesty of a sunset on the cliff, and yet it’s still incredible all day long. It takes about five minutes to walk out onto the cliffs. Two movies were filmed on these cli…

      Read more

    • Arecibo, Puerto Rico

      Hike to Cueva Ventana (The Window Cave)

      Take a short and easy guided hike up to and through the cave to this amazing view of the surrounding landscape and the Rio Grande de Puerto Rico, the river that runs below the cave. It is a 15 minute walk to reach the cave, then you will have another 30 minutes to explore the interior. The guide …

      Read more

    • Culebra, Puerto Rico

      Explore Culebra Island

      At Flamenco Beach, which is always ranked among the top 5 beaches in the world, the water is incredibly blue, and the sand is white and soft. The contrast of colors with the green island behind it is indescribably beautiful. Flamenco is usually pretty busy with people because it’s so popular, and. ..

      Read more

    • Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

      Explore Juan Diego Falls

      3.0

      0.1 mi
      / 80 ft gain

      Juan Diego Falls are a pair of waterfalls that can be accessed by an incredibly short and ignored trail when passing through El Yunque.When driving up the mountain (heading southwest on 191) the trail entrance can be found behind a road barrier on the right hand side of the road at approximately…

      Read more

    • Hoya Mala, Puerto Rico

      Gozalandia Falls

      5.0

      0.88 mi
      / 148 ft gain

      Gozalandia Falls, located in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico – on the West side of the island, features a 60ft+ tall waterfall as the main attraction. The area also has an ‘upper-falls’ with another swimming area and rope swing. Both tend to get full on hot summer days, so come early and stay for lunc. ..

      Read more

    • Adjuntas, Puerto Rico

      Swim at El Ataud

      0.2 mi
      / 100 ft gain

      If you’re heading out of Adjuntas, take Route 10 N and make a right onto Route 123 N, follow that until you can make a left onto Route 123 S. Go South on Route 123, then turn right onto Route 522 (follow the signs for Parador Sotomeyer). When you get there, go to the left. The road will make seve…

      Read more

    • Salinas, Puerto Rico

      Hike to Arbol Solitario

      5.0

      1 mi
      / 600 ft gain

      About halfway between Cayey and Ponce, you will see a runaway truck ramp on the north side of the highway. The best place to park for this hike is just right on the shoulder of the road (Make sure you aren’t blocking the truck ramp or you risk getting a ticket). Keep in mind if you are coming fro. ..

      Read more

    • Culebra, Puerto Rico

      Camp at Flamenco Beach

      If camping on a postcard perfect tropical island is on your bucket list, Flamenco Beach is a must.  Take the ferry from the port in Fajardo (40 min drive from San Juan Airport) to Culebra Island.  The cost is $2.25 each way and takes about one hour.  The ferries depart at 9:00 am, 3:00 pm, and 5:…

      Read more

    • San Juan, Puerto Rico

      Stroll through Old San Juan

      *Puerto Rico’s history is very interesting.  Exploring Old San Juan is fun, informative, and full of culture.  
      *There are unlimited options for food in Old San Juan, I recommend trying Mofongo, which is made from a plantain. Find a rooftop bar to take it all in (and maybe have a mojito or two!)….

      Read more

    • Aibonito, Puerto Rico

      Cañon San Cristobal

      4 mi
      / 1000 ft gain

      The hike from one end of Cañon San Cristobal to the other is arguably the most epic in Puerto Rico. Descend a thousand feet into a turquoise swimming hole, climb up a waterfall and find yourself in a valley so perfect it doesn’t seem real. Climb up another waterfall, hike about a mile and you’ll …

      Read more

    • Yauco, Puerto Rico

      Pico Rodadero Trail

      0.95 mi
      / 295 ft gain

      Pico Rodadero Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Yauco, South Region, Puerto Rico.

      Read more

      • Browse More Adventures

        Quick links

        • The best hiking trails in Puerto Rico
        • The best backpacking in Puerto Rico
        • The best camping in Puerto Rico
        • Top adventures in Puerto Rico

        Hiking in San Juan | Original Five Star Experiences

        Hiking in San Juan | Original Five Star Experience

        Skip to Text

        Sorry, some parts of the Airbnb site don’t work as intended unless JavaScript is enabled.

        Start search

        4.92 (1,933)

        6.5 hours

        El Yunque Rainforest (transfer + traditional food)

        0003

        4.96 (3,458)

        6.5 hours

        El Yunque waterfall, bungee and water slide (transfer)

        99 (285)

        · 9000 , waterfalls and coffee

        From RUB 5,460 per personFrom RUB 5,460 per person

        4.98 (892)

        ·

        7 hours

        ZIDINEN on El Junke and not only

        from 12 217 rubles 12,217 rubles per person

        4.95 (488)

        ·

        5 hours

        Waterfall with a slide in the forest / bungee / drinks for adults

        without crowds of tourists

        From 5 802 RUB per person From 5 802 RUB per person

        4. 84 (621)

        ·

        5.5 hours

        Bodyrafting and visiting caves in the reserve

        from 7 508 rubles 7 508 rubles

        4.98 (330)

        ·

        5 hours

        Explore the river waterfall and caves

        From ₽7,508 per person From ₽7,508 per person

        4.9 (137)

        5.5 hours

        5.5 hours

        rain forest hike: waterfalls and Guvat forest hike

        90 (with transfer)

        From RUB 4,437 per personFrom RUB 4,437 per person

        4.99 (67)

        ·

        3 hours

        Sanned waterfall, cave and bathing

        from 11 125 rubles 11 125 rubles

        4.98 (359)

        ·

        6 hours

        El Yunque Rainforest and Luquillo Beach

        From RUB 5,802 per person From RUB 5,802 per person

        4. 96 (199)

        5 hours

        5 hours

        From RUB 6,825 per person From RUB 6,825 per person

        4.64 (75)

        6 hours

        El Yunque and Luquillo Beach in El Yunque (travel from San Juan)

        From 4095 RUR per person From 4095 RUR per person

        ·

        5 hours

        Los Pilos: San Juan waterfall

        from 3,072 rubles per person 3 072 ₽

        New

        ·

        4000 4 hours

        Beautiful campaign and swimming in the tropical forest

        From RUB 3,222 per personFrom RUB 3,222 per person

        4.98 (894)

        ·

        6 hours

        Campaign to hidden waterfall

        from 5,802 rubles per person 5 802 rubles

        5. 0 (38)

        ·

        6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 hours

        Beach caves and river waterfalls

        from 8 532 rubles per person 8 532 ₽ per person

        5.0 (133)

        ·

        3 hours

        Coconut and survival lesson on the island

        dated 16 722 rubles per personFrom RUB 16,722 per person

        4.92 (276)

        ·

        6 hours

        Walking in nature and waterfall

        from 4 710 rubles per person 4 710 rubles per person

        Ten Islands: Happiness

        Text Michael Amma

        Warm town

        12 of the crowd of crowds tourists or coastal bustle? You won’t find this on a culebra. This Caribbean island is an oasis of calm

        “Open some days, close others” is written in large white letters on a closed vending van. What a strange statement! But nearby at the Mamacitas Restaurant, plastic chairs stand right in the water, here we are waiting for snacks, hamburgers, fruit and salad. nine0003

        A four-foot iguana with a half-length tail hobbles along the path. No one at the tables seems to be going to be nervous about this. Quite the contrary: the owner of the restaurant throws a few lettuce leaves to the gleaming greens of the reptile, which she clearly enjoys.

        Perhaps this is the basic principle of existence in the Caribbean – live and let live! This is exactly what the stressed-out Central Europeans crave. Here in Dewey, the capital city of Culebra in the Spanish Virgin Islands, we seem to have found the right way to live. nine0003

        The island belonging to Puerto Rico is located in the eastern part of the country and is well known among lovers of long-distance sailings. Because in the sleepy villages they find everything they need: a supermarket, a doctor, customs and border guards to get in and out, small restaurants, a dive shop, a gas station and a tiny airport.

        Yet, while Dewey has a sheltered bay where you can relax at anchorage and home to the famous Ponton-Dock restaurant that attracts yachtsmen, Culebra’s real treasure is its beaches. For example, the Flamenco beach in the north is an elegant semicircle, framed on one side by a row of palm trees, on the other, welcoming guests with fine sand and turquoise water. It regularly enters the top ranking of the most beautiful beaches in the world. nine0003

        Plus, the small islands near Culebra – such as Cayo de Luis Pena or Culebrita – offer something similar, but in a secluded “performance”. True, on weekends, Puerto Ricans come to them in large numbers on powerful motor boats and turn these secluded bays into open discos with their kilowatt speakers.

        Oh, and one more thing: this year, a charter yacht base appeared in Sunbay Marina, near Pajardo, Puerto Rico. So now the beaches of Culebra, fantastic in their beauty, are also available for “holiday yachtsmen”. nine0003

        Island at a glance
        Location: Caribbean
        Dimensions: 10 km long, 7 km wide
        Nationality/Language: Puerto Rico (US Territory)/Spanish and English
        Number of inhabitants: 1800
        High season: from November to April
        Harbors and coves: one harbor, seven anchorages
        Travel tip: early in the morning, all alone, visit the non-equipped Brava beach in the north of the island
        Special Locations: The only building on the tiny neighboring island of Culebrita is the 1886 lighthouse, which offers unparalleled views of both islands. nine0213

        Bulls and people

        Terceira is often unfairly neglected by yachtsmen. But largely because of this, it remains a truly wild island

        There is a common expression: “If you want to visit the island of Terceira, you have a long way to go.” This is so: the island lies in the North Atlantic at a distance of about a thousand miles from the European mainland. However, for a yachtsman returning from the Caribbean, this island is just on the way. The very first glance at it is striking: like all the Azores, it is of volcanic origin, therefore it rises from the water like a mighty colossus. Only closer acquaintance allows you to see the features of this island: lakes in the mountains and in craters, impressive geysers, thickets of eucalyptus and beech forests, endless hydrangea hedges, plantations of tobacco, tea and pineapple, azaleas and orchids, potato and wheat fields, abundant pastures. nine0003

        Yachts can be moored at the modern marina of Angra do Heroismo. Even one walk through this very beautiful place is like from a picture! – the city of the Renaissance will be a memorable event. The rest of the island is best traveled by rented car.

        In no case should you miss the well-known fun – Touradaa Corda (bull-baiting). This version of the bullfight takes place here regularly, sometimes 200 times a year.

        During the “tourade” the bull is accompanied by six “beaters” (Mascadosda Corda), holding him on a long chain, and he is opposed by a bullfighter armed with a bright and colorful umbrella. It often happens that overly gambling bullfighters are hooked by bulls on their horns. nine0003

        The guests of the tour have the right to take part in the fun. However, before participating in this thrilling entertainment, it is worth weighing everything twice – and not only for reasons of animal protection. In fact, nothing bad happens to bulls, well, maybe, except for the fact that they fall into a wild rage.

        After the tour, some of its participants – bulls – must rest and gain strength on pastures for at least eight days, others – yachtsmen – can go further to explore the island.

        Island in Brief
        Location: Atlantic Ocean
        Dimensions: 29 km long, 16 km wide
        Nationality/Language: Portugal/Portuguese
        Number of inhabitants: 53,000
        High season: June to September
        Harbors and bays: two harbors, three anchorages
        Tip for travelers: rent a car, drive around the island with a guidebook in hand, and visit the “tourada”
        in the evening
        Special places: The port city of Angra do Heroismo (now a World Heritage Site) has twice been the capital of Portugal

        In absolute blue

        Brava is the southernmost island of Cape Verde. The long journey is worth the effort – and not just for the flowers

        Alberto is a short man in his early thirties, although he looks older. His life, the life of a sailor, is made up of sun, sea and wind. When a yacht enters Porta da Furna, Alberto first takes care of the moorings, then the crew. He willingly tells newcomers about the most important thing: this fishing place is one of the friendliest places on our planet, where Africa and Europe are mixed. nine0003

        Alberto willingly accompanies yacht crews to the port police office, helps with ordering at a restaurant on the new waterfront and shows guests around the island. He is ready to drive with them all 99 serpentines of the island up to the most beautiful town of Cape Verde – Vila Nova Sintra, which is home to only 2,000 inhabitants. This is a beautiful area full of flowers, with a small church surrounded by houses built in colonial style.

        This is accompanied by a green and mountainous scene: coke palms, oleanders and, again, a sea of ​​flowers. On the west coast, Alberto introduces his guests to the small town of Fazja de Agua. “So far, no one has been disappointed with my tour,” he says. We are also satisfied. nine0003

        Island at a glance
        Location: Atlantic Ocean
        Dimensions: 11 km long, 9 km wide
        Nationality/Language: Cape Verdean/Portuguese and Creole
        Number of inhabitants: 6300
        High season: all year round (strong trade winds from November to April)
        Harbors and coves: one harbor, two anchorages
        Special Locations: Active volcano on Fogo

        Nook

        The Hebrides protect the Scottish northwest coast. One of these barriers is Barra

        Finding the Isle of Barra is not easy. It is securely hidden. Hundreds of small and tiny rocks, islets and shoals form a peculiar and very dense labyrinth that securely shelters Barra from the outside world and, as it were, tells any navigator: “Get out of here, you have nothing to look for here.”

        Yes, that’s right, during the voyage, the team must not break away from the current maps, tide schedules, constantly working with all the navigational tools at their disposal. And even after you’ve managed to find Barra, the navigator still has a lot of work to do to navigate the yacht past the dangers and moor it next to the ferry terminal in the shadow of Kisimul Castle. nine0003

        Of course, after that, first of all, you should visit a local pub and drink Scottish ale – beer brewed according to Celtic traditions. You can also pay tribute to one or another glass of whiskey, since there are many distilleries on the shores of Scotland.

        After visiting the pub, don’t be lazy and explore the green island with the local bus. The coast near Tangasdale is impressive with its dunes, and mussel lovers will undoubtedly enjoy Borwe Beach.

        Even the road to Tray More Airport deserves attention. “Flight schedules are subject to tide influence,” the caption reads. Yes, Tray More is one of two tide dependent airports in the world. Flights from Glasgow can only land when the tide – and with it the mussel gatherers – clears the runway. nine0003

        Island at a glance
        Location: Hebrides, Atlantic Ocean
        Dimensions: 17 km long, 7 km wide
        Nationality/Language: Scotland/English
        Number of inhabitants: 1000
        High season: from May to September
        Harbors and coves: one harbor, five anchorages
        Travel tip: take a bus to the small town of Ersari, near which you can climb the 383-meter Ben Havel cliff in an hour0236
        Special places: for 40 years now, every July, the Havel Race mountain race has been held on this cliff. But can they be called God’s forgotten place?

        “What are you doing here?” – this question should be prepared for everyone who comes on a yacht in the harbor of Marettimo. Located to the west of Sicily, the island, inhabited by only two hundred inhabitants, is located away from the main sailing routes. As the locals say: “God forgot about Marettimo.” nine0003

        However, those who moor at the new embankment and take a first look at the island will realize that the 20 miles of travel from Sicily was not done in vain. Pretty white houses with black window frames lined the bay. Behind them is a dark green forest where you can hunt wild boars. And in the northern part of the island, Mount Falcone, 686 meters high, pierced into the sky – it is also worth going there.

        What to do in the evening? Leave your galley alone! Those who have reached Marettimo should dine at La Scaletta. Although his white chairs are more like a cheap port eatery than a fine restaurant, his chef’s skill has garnered the admiration of more than one restaurant critic. What is he cooking? Jay Oliver himself answers this question like this: “I cook what God advises me!” nine0003

        Island at a glance
        Location: Aegadian Islands, Tyrrhenian Sea
        Dimensions: 7 km long, 2 km wide
        Nationality/Language: Italy/Italian
        Number of inhabitants: 200
        High season: from April to October
        Harbors and coves: one harbor, two day anchorages
        Travel Tip: Climb Monte Falcone
        Special places: paradise for scuba divers and fishermen

        Tito Reserve

        Formerly a closed area, now a nature reserve with a safari park. Brijuni on the Adriatic is not cheap, but worth it

        Joseph Broz, better known as Broz Tito, the ruler of the now defunct Yugoslavia, immediately realized that the island of Brijuni is a true gem. A year after his first visit to the island, he founded his residence here. After that, a small island, all covered with pine trees and surrounded by a turquoise-green sea, became available only to him and his guests.

        Tito received statesmen, diplomats and actors here, on the terrace of the villa he drank white wine with Sophia Loren, Josephine Baker and Eleanor Roosevelt. He even allowed his guests to hunt on these shores.

        Many years after Tito’s death, zebras and camels, llamas and elephants, antelopes and other animals still live here. In 1983, the entire Brijuni archipelago, which includes 14 islands, was declared a national park and opened to visitors. But those who decide to visit it should rummage through the ship’s cash desk – in the high season, one night of parking for a 15-meter yacht will cost 200 euros. However, sometimes, in some years, the authorities allow free anchorage at Mali Brion. nine0003

        Briefly about the island
        Location: off the coast of Istria, Adriatic
        Dimensions: 4 km long, 2 km wide
        Nationality/Language: Croatian/Croatian
        Number of inhabitants: about 200 (summer only)
        High season: from April to October
        Harbors and coves: one harbor, one anchorage
        Travel tip: Dive along the 500-meter long “underwater trail” in Verigo Bay on the east coast of Veli Brioni
        Special places: a museum documenting Tito’s entire life, a safari park, a 1600-year-old olive tree

        The Pearl of the Baltic

        Those heading to the island of Hiiumaa, off the coast of Estonia, must be prepared for dramatic changes

        Estonia, a small Baltic country that has been independent for 20 years and a member of the EU for 10 years, is pretty and open to the world. There is almost no trace of the Soviet presence left – Estonians now speak excellent English. And access to the Internet is guaranteed by law – it is provided everywhere. nine0003

        Estonia is more like Finland than Eastern Europe – culturally, geographically and linguistically. And the island of Hiiumaa, the second largest island in the country, is very reminiscent of the northern shores of the Baltic. Forests cover 60% of its surface, the sandy shores are shallow and go far into the sea, which the locals call the Western.

        Numerous sandy beaches and banks make it difficult to navigate in the local waters. Therefore, it is not surprising that it is here that the third of the oldest working lighthouses in the world is located – KopyuTulehorn, which has been in operation for 600 years. nine0003

        This year there is another reason to visit Hiiumaa – a new marina in the main port of Kärdla. Project manager Hillar Cooke smiles as she describes her: “60 berths, service, winter storage, yacht club, conference room, spa and sauna.” What else is needed?

        Briefly about the island
        Location: northern Baltic
        Dimensions: 45 km long, 56 km wide
        Nationality/Language: Estonian/Estonian
        Number of inhabitants: 11,000
        High season: June to August
        Harbors and bays: eight harbors, many undescribed anchorages
        Travel tip: you should visit Rannapaargu cafe on the beach near Kärdla
        Special places: the Kopu Tulehorn lighthouse is a symbol of the island, you can climb to its observation deck at a height of 36 meters

        In the rhythm of the tide

        Primitive life or an oasis of pleasure? Nosy Iranya Island, north of Madagascar, can provide both the first and the second

        This small island in the Indian Ocean divides every 12 hours into the old and new worlds: traditional and modern, African and European. How does this happen? At low tide, the two parts of the island are connected by a kilometer-long sand bank protruding from the water – and you can move from one world to another without getting your feet wet. nine0003

        It’s hard to describe how different they are. In the north, the natives live their usual life in palm huts. They catch fish, cook it on an open fire, and kids in old T-shirts torn through play in the shade of dense greenery.

        To the south are individual chalets in a luxury resort with a business center, spa and fitness room. Cocktails and coffee, five courses of different dishes and much, much more.

        Yachts are always welcome at the resort, just let us know about your arrival via VHF. nine0003

        Island at a glance
        Location: Indian Ocean
        Dimensions: 4 km long, 1.5 km wide
        Nationality/Language: Madagascar/Malagasy and French
        Number of inhabitants: about 150
        High season: from April to November
        Harbors and coves: one anchorage
        Travel tip: you should visit the old lighthouse built by Gustave Eiffel in the north of the island
        Special places: the resort is a pleasure to enjoy dinner, lounging in wicker chairs

        The door to a fairy tale

        There are no routes leading to the Cocos Islands. Only those who go around the world get here

        There are many yachtsmen in the world who go around the world with trade winds, as if along a path. But even this path can have twists and turns. And of course, there will not be two yachtsmen who have circumnavigated the globe who would visit the same bays and harbors during their voyage.

        However, there is a place that can be found in the logbook of almost any circumnavigator: Cocos Islands! These islands, more like an atoll, are located in the Indian Ocean 2000 miles from Australia. Their position is so beneficial to anyone who wants to cross the Indian Ocean that the lagoon, in which one yacht is constantly replaced by another, can best be described as a yachting station. nine0003

        It’s hard to believe: right in the blue nothingness there is an anchorage where there are more yachts than in Mallorca during the high season. Under the protection of Direction Island, an uninhabited piece of land, yachts sway calmly at anchor, while their crews enjoy the panorama of the tropics, basking on white sand or swimming in the turquoise transparent sea. On the shore, people swing in colorful hammocks, fry meat, exchange gossip and news, and help each other with repairs. Pure idyll? Yes and no. Because, as was said, there is no solitude on the island. nine0003

        Island at a glance
        Location: Indian Ocean
        Dimensions (of the atoll itself): 14 km long, 12 km wide
        Nationality/Language: Australia/English
        Number of inhabitants: 600
        High season: June to September
        Harbors and coves: one anchorage
        Travel tip: you should take a tour (CocosEcoTours) to all the islands of the group, try local food and visit the cultural center
        Special Spots: Snorkeling along the Reef in Lagoon

        Above the water and below the waves

        The Isle of Pines in New Caledonia is truly an Australian holiday paradise. And for yachtsmen

        What is the paradise of the southern seas? An uninhabited, palm-lined Robinson retreat? A place where aboriginal people far from civilization live by fishing and hunting? A cozy terrace of a yacht club on an exotic island, where you can watch the backs of unknown fish in the lagoon, holding a bottle of beer in your hand?

        The answer, probably, for each of the yachtsmen sounds differently, but let’s agree on this: one who has set foot on the land of the island of Pinius at least once is unlikely to be able to objectively talk about the beauties of other places. nine0003

        When it comes to talking about beaches, coral, anchorages, tropical colors and local flowers, people often get lost in clichés: Easter eggs, rainbow colors, gift cards, colored glasses and the like. Pinia has it all – and much more.

        Kuto Bay, the main anchorage of New Caledonia’s most favored yachtsman, forms a kitsch seascape with neighboring Baye de Canumera. Hidden under a dense veil of palm trees is a resort, a beachfront restaurant and a couple of buildings. Around the island – a paradise for divers. In the bay of Baye de Gadilli in the north, you can go down to a deep underwater coral canyon. Despite the abundance of curious people, colorful tropical fish do not disappear from here, decorating this wonderful place with themselves. As soon as a yachtsman enters Kuto on his way from Australia, he finds himself in a fairy-tale world. But, as always in long-distance voyages, this happens only for a short time. Fairy tales also end. nine0003

        Briefly about the island
        Location: South Pacific
        Dimensions: 16 km long, 14 km wide
        Nationality/Language: New Caledonia/French
        Number of inhabitants: 2000
        High season: from May to October
        Harbors and coves: five anchorages
        Travel tip: in the town of Vao, you need to walk through the pavilions of the local market.

      Leave a Reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *